Spread of Non-Cooperation Movement in Cities

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 to demand complete independence from British rule. It was a peaceful mass movement that aimed to boycott British goods, services, and institutions. The movement spread rapidly across the country and gained support from people of all classes, including the urban population.

Factors that led to the spread of the movement in cities:
1. Discontent among urban population: The urban population was discontent with the policies and actions of the British government. They were unhappy with the economic policies that favored British industries and merchants, resulting in the decline of Indian industries. The educated middle class was also unhappy with the discriminatory policies of the British government that denied them opportunities to hold high positions in the civil services and judiciary.

2. Influence of National leaders: National leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others traveled extensively to cities and towns, delivering speeches and organizing meetings to spread the message of non-cooperation. They were able to mobilize the urban population to participate in the movement.

3. Boycott of British goods: The boycott of British goods was a major aspect of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The urban population played a significant role in the boycott by refusing to buy British goods and promoting indigenous products.

4. Support from students: Students played a crucial role in spreading the movement in cities. They boycotted schools and colleges that were run by the British government and participated in protests and demonstrations.

5. Participation in protests: The urban population actively participated in protests, strikes, and demonstrations organized by the movement. They also supported the movement financially by donating money to the cause.

Impact of Non-Cooperation Movement in cities:
1. The movement led to the growth of national consciousness among the urban population, which played a vital role in the struggle for independence.

2. The boycott of British goods led to the growth of indigenous industries and encouraged self-reliance among the people.

3. The movement also led to the growth of the Indian National Congress, which became the leading political party in the country.

4. The movement made the British Government realize the strength of the Indian people and the need for political reforms.

Conclusion:

The Non-Cooperation Movement spread rapidly in cities due to various factors such as discontent among the urban population, the influence of national leaders, the boycott of British goods, the support from students, and participation in protests. The movement had a significant impact on the growth of national consciousness, the growth of indigenous industries, and the growth of the Indian National Congress.

1. The movement started with middle class participation in the cities.
2. Thousands of students left
government-controlled schools and colleges, headmasters and teachers resigned, and lawyers gave their legal practices.
3. The council elections were boycotted in most provinces except Madras.
4. Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops puckered, and foreign cloth burnt in huge bonfires. The import of foreign cloth halved.
5. In many places merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods or finance foreign trade.
6. As the boycott movement spread, and people began discarding imported clothes and wearing only Indian ones, production of Indian textiles mills and handsome went up.